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While the 30A area is most often associated with summertime, there’s something unique and wonderful about the Florida Gulf Coast at Christmastime. Skip the snow and opt for light-strewn palm trees and white sand beaches instead. You’ll find many festive events and activities when you visit 30A December because there’s no shortage of things to do and see like photos with Santa, holiday concert series and exclusive holiday meals and tastings. Are you ready to make your holidays jolly and bright? We’ve compiled the ultimate list of things to do in 30A for the holidays.
Check out the list of things to do during December along 30A. From exclusive Christmas dinners to holiday markets, Christmas in South Walton is lots of fun!
While the 30A area is most often associated with summertime, there’s something unique and wonderful about the Florida Gulf Coast at Christmastime. Skip the snow and opt for light-strewn palm trees and white sand beaches instead. You’ll find many festive events and activities when you visit 30A December because there’s no shortage of things to do and see like photos with Santa, holiday concert series and exclusive holiday meals and tastings. Are you ready to make your holidays jolly and bright? We’ve compiled the ultimate list of things to do in 30A for the holidays.
You can take your photos with Santa at a few different locations around the 30A and South Walton area.
Located in Santa Rosa Beach, North Beach Tortilla Co. is a taco and tequila bar with plenty of outdoor seating, a wraparound bar and a view of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Grown-ups can enjoy a margarita while the kids get their holiday snapshots taken. Santa will be visiting Tuesday, December 3 from 5:30-8pm and the pictures taken will be available on the restaurant’s website a few days later.
Located near the entrance to Sandestin, Grand Boulevard is one of our favorite spots to get into the holiday spirit. Not only are there beautiful lights to enjoy, there’s an array of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, decorated by the area’s nonprofits. Family-friendly activities like free arts and crafts are available as well as pictures with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Photos with Santa in Grand Park are every Saturday (November 30-December 21) from 2-4pm. Arrive early for the Grand Boulevard Farmers Market in Grand Park which runs from 9am-1pm for some local produce and goods. Browse the shops and indulge in delicious local dining. It’s the perfect way to spend a Florida winter day!
Fort Walton Beach Landing Park is a lovely waterfront park with a playground, concert stage and even a small rock climbing wall. Their annual A Downtown Holiday event on Saturday, December 7th from 12-7pm is fun for the whole family, complete with a tree lighting event at 5:30pm and live music, kids’ activities, local vendors and food. Get your extra special Christmas shopping done at some of the downtown boutiques while you’re there.
It’s no secret the food along 30A is exceptional and the holidays are the perfect time of the year to feast. From local holiday markets to exclusive Christmas menus, here are some of the things to look forward to.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. Their Christmas Dinner is $75 per adult and $35 per child (12 and under). It includes a special three-course menu and reservations are required. This award-winning restaurant is sure to impress and the meal one to remember.
Meet Santa in person for a very merry brunch at Fish Out of Water, a family-friendly restaurant located at WaterColor Inn. Enjoy panoramic Gulf views during brunch every Sunday (December 1-22) from 10am-2pm. They suggest making reservations in advance to secure your spot.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill is a fine dining restaurant located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. Get your picture taken with Santa and his helpers and fill your plate at the breakfast buffet on December 15th from 8-11am. The event is open to the public but reservations are required. Call the restaurant for more information on availability and pricing.
Grayton Beer Company is throwing their 4th annual Grayt Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7th from 10am-4pm. We love the laid back feel of the taproom inside the brewery and the 25-tap draft wall of small-batch brews but the event takes everything up a notch with festive craft beers, an appearance by Santa and local vendors, merchants and artists. The taproom is child and pet-friendly. In fact, you can bring along your dog and receive 10% off your entire tab!
One of the best parts of visiting Florida’s scenic Highway 30A is the delicious food. From fresh seafood to local delicacies, there’s so much for your taste buds to explore on your vacation. You’ll find many of the best restaurants along the Gulf Coast here. We’ve identified many of the best, highly rated and reviewed, must-try dishes so you don’t miss a bite!
Figuring out your travel arrangements and how to get around once you get there is part of planning a vacation. However you plan on initially arriving to the 30A area, you’ll be relieved to learn that getting around is easy. In fact, you may want to cancel your rental car and embrace the full local experience. These are some of the most walkable, expertly planned communities in the U.S. after all.
Summer on 30A is the best and, if you’re looking to spend a holiday in the area, the 4th of July is the ultimate. There’s nothing like the celebratory, fun atmosphere on the beach over the 4th of July weekend. If you’re looking for more 4th of July events on 30A, we’ve got a full list to round out your holiday to-do list. With live music and a patriotic pool party to face painting and fireworks, check out our list of 4th of July events on 30A.
On this installment of Battle of the Beaches, we’re comparing the Emerald (Gulf) Coast of Florida beaches with the iconic Daytona Beach. There’s a huge difference between these two areas. Perhaps the only thing they have in common is the fact they’re both in Florida. Which FL beach is the best? We’re going to explore the differences and help you choose which one is your perfect fit for your next Florida beach vacation.
Getting ready for a beach vacation is an exciting time but it can also be stressful packing and making sure you’ve thought of everything you’ll need for fun in the sun. From sufficient sun protection to avoiding bringing half the sand on the beach home with you, there’s a lot to consider. Sure, you can always pick up anything you forgot in the area after you arrive but you’ll end up paying a lot more from a tourist-y convenience store than shopping your own bathroom closet for free. This beach vacation packing list will help guide you to make your packing process a lot easier and get you on your way to 30A feeling confident and prepared. Our list of beach essentials handles everything from the basics to the extras so you won’t forget a thing.
When visiting 30A, you can’t beat the picturesque vacation rental homes and 30A cottages prevalent in the area. But every once in a while, it’s fun to mix things up and remember there are many different ways to stay. Camping is a fun, family-friendly and unique way to experience the area. Whether you’re a first time camper or a seasoned professional, there’s an option for you.
